RCA 390 VCR User Manual


 
What Your VCR Will Do
Recording Sources
The built-in VHF/UHF/Cable-compatible tuner can tune
in any of the standard broadcast channels and up to 49
Cable-TV channels. Since your VCR has its own tuner,
you can use it to record one program while you watch
another one selected with your TV tuner. Also you can
view and record the same program if you prefer. Your
VCR also has special video and audio input connectors
for recording from a camera or another VCR.
Automatic Tuner Programming
Available channels can be automatically preset into the
tuner for selection with the CHANNEL-UPand CHANNEL-
DOWN buttons. "Automatic Programming" searches
through the channel numbers for broadcast or cable-TV
reception, finds the channels that are available from your
antenna or cable-TV system, and permanently stores
them in the tuner's memory. Afterwards, you can select
any of these channels with the CHANNEL Up and Down
buttons on the VCR or the remote control, simply by
pressing the button until the channel number appears in
the display. If you prefer, you can select a channel
number directly with the numbered buttons on the remote
control.
Recording Speeds and Times
You can choose any one of the three standard speeds
when you make a recording. The recording times for vari-
ous cassettes and the reason for using each recording
speed are explained on page 9.
Unattended Recording with Remote Programming/On-
Screen Display
The VCR timer can be preset up to one year in advance to
record up to four different programs. You can record the
same program every week day or on the same day of
every week until you cancel the program. The VCR will
turn on automatically at the time you have selected,
record your program, and turn off automatically.
All programming is done using the infrared remote con-
trol. Programming instructions are displayed on your TV
screen, leading you step-by-step through the program-
ming sequence.
Express Recording (XPR)
XPR lets you record for up to four hours without program-
ming the timer. Simply select the channel and the starting
time (immediately or up to 24 hours delayed start) and
select the length of time you wish to record. The rest is
automatic.
Conventional Playback
Your VCR uses the standard VHS recording system so
that pre-recorded VHS tapes and tapes recorded on
another VHS-type VCR can also be played. Your VCR will
play VHS cassettes recorded at any of the three standard
speeds. It automatically selects the same speed for play-
back that was used for recording the cassette. By using
the electronic tape counter and the FAST-FORWARD and
REWIND controls, you can "cue" to any starting point on
the tape before you begin playback.
Picture Search
The FAST-FORWARD and REWIND buttons can be used
for "Picture Search" when you play a tape. When you
press one of these buttons the playing speed is increased
so that you can quickly locate the picture you want to
view. Normal playing speed resumes and sound is
restored when you release the button. A picture is dis-
played when you search a tape recorded at any speed,
but quality is best for tapes recorded at SLP.
Pause - Stop Action - Frame Advance
Pressing the PAUSE button stops the tape's forward
motion for "stop-action" viewing during playback, or to
eliminate unwanted material when you are recording.
After you have stopped the action during playback, the
FRAME ADVANCE button on the remote control lets you
advance the tape one frame at a time so that you can see
all the motion details. Stop-action and frame advance are
designed for use at the SLP speed. They may be used on
tapes recorded at other speeds, but the picture quality will
not be as good as that at SLP.
Slow Motion
Press SLOW on the remote unit or press PLAY during
play/pause to change from normal playing speed to slow
motion. The PLAY button will restore normal playing
speed. Slow Motion is designed for use at the SLP speed.
It may be used on tapes recorded at other speeds, but the
picture quality will not be as good as that at SLP.
Memory Stop
When the tape counter is displayed instead of time, fast-
forward and rewind wilt stop when the counter reads
0O00. By resetting the counter to 000O at the desired point
on the tape, you can stop at this point for repeated view-
ing of a certain scene.
Automatic Rewind
Your VCR automatically rewinds and then stops when it
comes to the end of the tape. To avoid accidental erasure
during Unattended Recording and Express Recording,
the VCR stops at the end of the tape but does not rewind.
Power Off from Rewind
You can turn off the power during rewind, and the VCR
will finish rewinding and turn off automatically.
Infrared Remote Control
The remote hand unit may be used instead of the front-
panel buttons to control the major functions of the VCR.
The remote control has additional buttons for selecting
any tuner channel by number, setting the clock, program-
ming the timer, and operating Slow Motion and Frame
Advance.
VHS HQ Picture Quality
This VCR incorporates VHS HQ (High Quality) circuitry
for improved picture quality. It is fully compatible with
earlier VHS VCRs.
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